Saint
Paraskeva of the Balkans
Venerable Paraskevi (Petka) of Serbia
New Calendar October 14 Old Calendar October 27
Why they are a saint
Paraskeva of the Balkans, alternatively known as Petka, was an ascetic female saint of the 11th century. She was born in Epivates, near Constantinople, and, according to legends, had visions of the Virgin Mary. After living in Chalcedon and Heraclea Pontica, she settled in a convent in the desert near the Jordan River.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Traditionally asked to pray for eyesight, ophthalmologists. The reason for this custom is not recorded here.
Prayer
O holy Paraskeva of the Balkans, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.